The 14 Best Things To Do In Taman Negara National Park

Last Updated: January 13 2024

Taman Negara is Malaysia’s largest national park and is one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. 

At around 130 million years old, it’s a prehistoric rainforest full of mountains, rapid-flowing rivers, and plenty of wildlife. 

If you’re lucky, you might get to spot elusive predators including tigers, leopards, and sun bears. Elephants, rhinoceros, Malaysian tapirs, and macaques are also found within the area too.

Although this mysterious rainforest is a favourite for hikers, there are plenty of other things to do in Taman Negara too.

So, let’s take a look at what you can get up to in this beautiful part of Malaysia!

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The Best Things to do in Taman Negara National Park

1. Go up the Canopy Walkway

Walking along the canopy walkway is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Taman Negara!

It’s one of the longest canopy walkways in the world and offers superb views of the surrounding rainforest. Not only that but if you’re lucky you might get to spot wildlife from the treetops.

Originally constructed for research purposes, this awesome attraction is now one of the top experiences in the park.

The walkway is suspended 40m (131 ft) above the ground and is 530m long (1739 ft) so is pretty impressive. Just make sure you take your time as you walk through the treetops to appreciate the views.

Situated just a 30-minute hike from the entrance, it’s also very easy to reach!

The walkway is open between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily. However, just keep in mind that it will be closed on rainy days. It’s also one of the cheapest attractions in the park so don’t miss out on this place.

2. Explore the Caves within Taman Negara

If you’re after a bit of adventure, then make sure you explore some of the caves within Taman Negara.

They are truly magical and offer an awesome experience, with unique rock formations, narrow passageways, and of course – bats.

Some of the best caves to explore in this area are Gua Kepayang Besar, Gua Kepayang Kecil, and Gua Telinga, and there are a variety of tours available in the area.

If simply exploring them isn’t enough for you, then why not spend a night here?

Many of the tour operators in this area offer overnight stays in these caves, with the most popular spot being Kepayang Besar Cave. This is one of the largest caves in the national park and is a two-hour hike from the entrance.

Just be prepared to come into contact with plenty of critters including racer snakes and a variety of insects.

3. Hike up to Bukit Teresk

Walking up Bukit Teresk is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Taman Negara!

Located just 1.7 km (1 mile) from the park headquarters, this hill offers one of the most spectacular views of the park.

Although it is only 334m high (1096 ft), it’s quite a walk to the top – especially with the rainforest’s humidity. However, once you reach the summit it’s completely worth it!

From the top, you’ll get stunning views of the surrounding rainforest so make sure you bring your camera along. If you head up to Bukit Teresk on a clear day, you might even get to spot Gunung Tahan. This mountain is the tallest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, but we’ll talk about this a bit later on.

The first part of the hike is relatively flat so won’t require much exertion. However, the second section is the steepest part of the hike, and you’ll need to be wary of the uneven terrain and exposed roots.

As you walk to Bukit Teresk, you’ll also be wandering through one of the best bird-watching spots in the rainforest!

4. Look Out for Birdlife

Leading on from Bukit Teresk, it’s only fitting to talk about birdwatching!

Taman Negara National Park is home to a HUGE variety of birdlife ranging from bee-eaters to hornbills. It’s estimated that there are at least 470 bird species in the park so make sure you don’t forget your binoculars.

You’ll also find at least 19 species of endangered birds in Taman Negara too!

The best time to birdwatch in the national park is generally from May to August. This is when the conditions are optimal, and there are a couple of spots in Taman Negara you’ll want to visit to increase your chances.

For starters, take some time to relax in the hides as they offer a fantastic opportunity to spot some birdlife. One of the most popular hides is the Tahan hide which is just a short walk from the entrance.

You’ll also want to take your time walking along the canopy walkway to see if you can spot any birds in the treetops.

5. Take a Cruise along the Tembeling River

The Tembeling River is the main tributary of the Pahang River and starts from Kuala Tembeling. It then flows past some of the villages including Kuala Tahan until it ends near Gunung Palas.

One of the BEST things to do in Taman Negara is to cruise along this beautiful river, as it offers the adventure of a lifetime.

Just imagine rapid-flowing waters, lush rainforest on each side, and the breeze running through your hair.

You’ve also got a great chance of spotting wildlife along the way including water buffalo and monitor lizards, so keep your eyes peeled.

If you’ve only got time for a couple of activities in Taman Negara, then make sure this is one of them.

You can even include a river cruise as part of your journey to the national park, which we’ll discuss in more detail below!

6. Visit the Orang Asli Settlements

The locals in Taman Negara are known as Orang Asli or the aborigine people, and there are two ethnic groups that reside here.

These are the ‘Batek’ and the ‘Semokberi’, and you can visit their settlements which is one of the top things to do in Taman Negara!

However, the villages never stay in one place as the Orang Asli are nomadic. They move from place to place and set up palm-thatched settlements throughout the rainforest.

You can go on tours to visit the Orang Asli, and you’ll get to see how they live!

It’s an experience you won’t forget, as they will show you how they make their weapons and how they hunt.

Although the Orang Asli can’t speak English, you’ll have a guide with you at all times who will translate their language for you.

Just make sure you’re respectful during your visit and don’t take any photographs without permission!

7. Search for Wildlife in the Hides

The main reason people head to Taman Negara is of course the wildlife!

This rainforest is home to a wide variety of species including elephants, leopards, sun bears, tigers, and rhinoceros.

One of the best ways to spot some of these elusive creatures is to spend some time in the hides that are scattered within the park.

You’ve got the option of Bumbun Blau, Bumbun Cagar Anjing, Bumbun Tabing, or Bumbun Yong. However, the two most popular hides in Taman Negara are Bumbun Kumbang and Bumbun Tahan.

The Tahan hide is just a 15-minute walk from the park entrance and is probably the most visited hide in the national park. It’s situated opposite a salt lick and attracts plenty of wildlife including wild boar, deer, and porcupines.

If you’re lucky, you might get to spot a tapir! However, as it’s so close to the park’s HQ you’re unlikely to see any of the rare species that live in this rainforest.

Kumbang hide is situated 11 km (6.8 miles) from the entrance, so you’ve got a much better chance of spotting the more elusive creatures within the park.

8. Go on a Night Safari Tour

If you’re looking for a creepy experience then you need to explore the national park at night!

You’ve got the choice of a night safari by jeep, or you can get up close and personal by going on a night jungle walk.

Either one is a fantastic option, but a walking tour allows you to truly explore the rainforest after dark.

You’ll get to see a variety of nocturnal wildlife, and you’ve got a better chance of spotting tapirs and porcupines too!

Many of the jungle walks will also take you to the Tahan hide, so you can combine the two activities.

There are a couple of excellent tour operators in the area, and many of them offer this experience.

Make sure you check out Han Travel, Mutiara Taman Negara, and Asia Camp for the best deals. You can compare the prices, and decide which one is most suited to you!

9. Trek through the Rainforest

Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Taman Negara is to go trekking through the rainforest.

You can’t visit this national park without going on one of the many hikes on offer!

Luckily, there are plenty of options including Bukit Teresk, Lata Berkoh, and Gunung Tahan. These are the most popular routes throughout the park, and you should do at least one during your time in Taman Negara.

However, if you’re looking to take on some of the less popular trails you’ve got lots of choices too!

One of the best hikes is the Kuala Trenggan Trail which takes you to Kumbang Hide. You’ll need to allow around six hours to reach the hide, and you can stay overnight if you book in advance.

If you’d prefer something shorter then why not try the Yong Trail? It’s relatively flat and takes just four hours!

There are also multi-day hikes in the park that you can tackle including the Keniam Trail and the Tenor Trail.

10. Feed fish at Kelah Sanctuary

Kelah Sanctuary is one of the lesser-known attractions in Taman Negara.

It’s located in Lubuk Tenor which is just a 20-minute journey along the river from Kuala Tahan.

The sanctuary is essentially a conservation centre for Kelah fish, which are also known as Malaysian mahseer. You’ll also hear them being called the ‘River King’ or the ‘King of Freshwater fish’

These creatures are incredibly valuable and are a delicacy for the local people – especially their scales.

Kelah Sanctuary is open between 9 am – 5 pm and is one of the area’s most unique attractions.

You can’t fish here as the sanctuary is dedicated to preserving these creatures, but you can feed them if you wish. It’s even possible to swim with them!

If you decide to feed them you’ll get to see their lightning-quick bursts of speed, which are impressive.

11. Dine at the Side of the River

We’re quite easy to please as travellers, and honestly dining by the side of the river was a bucket list experience for us in itself!

The Tembeling River runs alongside Kuala Tahan, and you’ll find several floating restaurants situated here.

Some of the most popular options include Taman Negara Floating Restaurant, Kuala View Restaurant, and Family Restaurant.

Although most of the food served consists of local dishes, it’s super cheap and you’ll get spectacular views of the river whilst you dine. Not only that, but you’ll get beautiful views of the rainforest too!

If you’re lucky, you might even get to spot hornbills flying above or hear the sounds of gibbons from across the river.

Honestly, it’s such a beautiful experience and one that we’ll never forget. Even if you’re only spending one night in Kuala Tahan, this is an experience you don’t want to miss.

12. Hike up Gunung Tahan

Gunung Tahan is the highest peak on Malaysia’s peninsular and reaches an impressive height of 2,187m (7,175 ft).

It’s one of the country’s most challenging peaks and isn’t for the faint-hearted. The trek will test you both mentally and physically, so make sure you prepare yourself.

Gunung Tahan is located around 53 km (33 miles) from Kuala Tahan so will require you to camp overnight in the rainforest for several days.

If you’re lucky enough to summit the mountain on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the national park!

Although you can hike to this peak on your own, many people choose to go on a guided tour. This way, you’ll be with an experienced and knowledgeable guide at all times.

You’ll also be given all the equipment you need rather than having to carry it all yourself!

Either way, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime as you traverse rivers, hike deep into the rainforest, and spot wildlife along the way. 

13. Head to Lubuk Simpon

Lubuk Simpon is one of the best places to visit in Taman Negara so make sure you add it to your itinerary!

It’s one of the most popular swimming spots in the national park and is just a 20-30 minute hike from the park’s HQ. If you’d prefer to relax instead, then you can catch a boat upstream which will take around 5-10 minutes.

This natural pool is easily accessible as there’s a boardwalk that runs adjacent to it once you reach the river.

With lush trees surrounding Lubuk Simpon and the sounds of monkey calls all around, this is the PERFECT place to go for a swim.

Just keep in mind that the underwater current can be strong, so you’ll need to be a good swimmer. If you’re not the strongest of swimmers, then it’s best to stay near the shore.

Also, don’t be put off by the colour of the water as it’s often brown due to minerals in the area – especially after heavy rainfall.

14. Shoot the rapids from Kuala Tahan

If you’re an adrenaline seeker, then we recommend shooting the rapids from Kuala Tahan.

It’s one of the best activities in Taman Negara and isn’t one you want to miss – trust us!

You’ll get fantastic views of the national park from the river, and you might even get to spot some wildlife along the way.

Not only that, but many of the tours take you to the seven sets of rapids where you’re in for a real adventure.

Just make sure you wear clothes that you don’t mind getting soaked and have a waterproof bag for all your belongings. However, getting splashed by the river is a great way to cool down on a hot & humid day in the rainforest.

If you’re planning to go rapid shooting in Taman Negara then there are a variety of tour operators that offer this experience.

This includes Han Travel, Mutiara Taman Negara, and Asia Camp so shop around to compare the best deals.

Helpful Information for Visiting Taman Negara, Malaysia

How to Get to Taman Negara

How you get to the rainforest will all depend on where you’re travelling from, so let’s break down the options for you!

Cameron Highlands to Taman Negara

There are plenty of tour companies that operate services to Taman Negara from Cameron Highlands.

You’ll have two choices; you can either travel solely by minibus or you can reach the rainforest by minivan and then via boat.

We’d recommend the second option, as it’s a fantastic experience!

First of all, you’ll travel to Jerantut jetty in a minibus. Then, you’ll take a boat along the Tembeling River to Kuala Tahan. The boat journey takes around three hours and you’ll be treated to stunning scenery along the way.

If you’re lucky you might even get to spot wildlife including water buffalo and monitor lizards.

Generally, for transport in Southeast Asia, we tend to use 12 Go Asia as it’s one of the most reliable travel agencies in the region!

You might be able to find public transport options in the area, but we found them to be few and far between. We decided to travel back to the Cameron Highlands via public bus and unfortunately, got stuck as one of the services was no longer running.

Just make sure you do your research if you’re planning to try and get there yourself, rather than pay a tour operator.

Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara

Luckily if you’re staying in the capital there are plenty of transport options to Taman Negara!

The cheapest options are the bus and train, although they also take the longest as they require one or two changeovers.

If you choose to get the bus you’ll need to change in Jerantut to reach Taman Negara. When travelling by train, you’ll need to changeover in Gemas first, then Jerantut.

Travelling this way can take any time between 5-8 hours, so you’ll be in it for the long haul. You’ll also want to allow time for your changeovers and any stops you make along the way!

Catching a taxi or minivan is the best way to get there, and the quickest! However, it’s the more expensive option so prepare to part with some cash.

If you decide to take a tour of Taman Negara from the capital then your transport will be included, so that’s also a great option!

How to Get Around Taman Negara

Getting around Taman Negara is relatively easy as there aren’t many options!

When visiting the park, generally you’ll be staying in the small village of Kuala Tahan. To reach the entrance, you’ll need to catch a water taxi over the river.

There are plenty of water taxis found along the Kuala Tahan jetty, and the prices are extremely cheap!

The journey to the park entrance takes about 30 seconds, and once you’re ready to cross back over – simply wait on the other side. You’ll then be picked up as the water taxi operators will see you from across the river.

Once you’ve reached the other side you’ll need to walk to the entrance and purchase your permit. From there, the only way to get around the national park is by hiking so be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime!

The Best Time to Visit Taman Negara

As Taman Negara is a rainforest, you’ll undoubtedly experience high humidity and plenty of rainfall no matter when you visit. However, the best time to explore is between May and September. 

This is generally when precipitation levels are at their lowest, and the humidity is more manageable.

If you head to the park during July and August though, expect to share the trails with plenty of others. This is the busiest time to visit Taman Negara, so you may want to avoid this time of year if you’re looking for a quieter experience. 

The monsoon season occurs between November and January, and this is another time of year that you’ll want to steer clear from. Due to the high precipitation levels, many of the trails will close and the canopy walkway will be shut too. 

We headed to Taman Negara at the end of October, and although we experienced quite a bit of rain – we also got to see plenty of wildlife.

Exploring Taman Negara by Tour

Although you can explore the national park by yourself, you can take a tour of Taman Negara instead!

This gives you the best chance of spotting wildlife, learning about the local area, and exploring some of the rainforests’ hidden gems. However, many of them are only day trips and we’d recommend spending at least a couple of days here!

If you’d prefer to take a tour, then here are some of the most popular tour options for Taman Negara:

• Full-day tour to Taman Negara from Kuala Lumpur: This full-day tour to Taman Negara lasts for around fifteen hours and includes the canopy walk, a visit to the Orang Asli Village, and a hike to Teresek Hill. You’ll also get to eat lunch in one of the floating restaurants and head along the rapids in a longtail boat.
• Private full-day tour of Taman Negara from Kuala Lumpur: If you’re looking for a shorter trip, then this tour lasts for around eight hours. You’ll have a naturalist guide with you every step of the way to help you identify flora and fauna, and you’ll visit an indigenous village too.
• A day tour of Taman Negara National Park: This fantastic tour of the national park offers hiking opportunities, the chance to visit an indigenous village, and of course – the iconic canopy walk. You’ll also shoot the rapids along the river, and visit the famous Batu Caves along the way!

Park Entry Fees

As we mentioned previously, you won’t have to splash the cash to visit Taman Negara. Here’s a breakdown of the entry costs:

• Entrance fee: RM 1 (£0.20)
• Camera permit: RM 5 (£0.95)
• Canopy walk fee: RM 1 (£0.20)
• The boat fee to cross the river from Kuala Tahan: RM 1 (£0.20)

Where to Stay in Taman Negara

When visiting Taman Negara, you’ll likely be staying in the small village of Kuala Tahan which is just across the river. Here are a couple of fantastic accommodation options in the area! 

Luxury: Mutiara Taman Negara Resort 

This resort is situated right by the park’s entrance and there’s a tour desk on-site. This is extremely handy if you’re looking to book excursions! Although this is one of the most expensive accommodation options in the area, your breakfast & dinner is included.

Many of the rooms at this resort also offer stunning views of the rainforest or river.

Mid-range: Tebing Guest House

Situated along the Tembeling River, this guest house is one of the best accommodation options in Kuala Taha. It’s set close to the jetty so you’ll have easy access to the national park and offers spacious & air-conditioned rooms.

Many of the rooms within Tebing Guest House also offer a balcony, free WiFi, and shower facilities. 

Budget: Tahan Guest House

Tahan Guest House is one of the best budget options in Kuala Tahan. It’s where we stayed during our trip to Taman Negara, and the owners were absolutely lovely.

You’ll find some of the cheapest rooms in the village here. However,  they can get pretty humid depending on what time of year you visit. Just be mindful that there’s no air conditioning but you’ll still be getting a bargain if you decide to stay in Tahan Guest House. 

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Top Tips for Visiting Taman Negara National Park

Taman Negara is a bucket list destination for many, so to make sure you have the best trip possible – here is some more information you need to know!

1. Bring mosquito repellant

The mosquito situation is real here, so make sure you bring insect repellant with you. Trust us you’ll need it, and it’s expensive here if you choose to buy it later on.

You’ll also want to wear long pants during your stay and make sure your accommodation has a mosquito net. If you’re quite sensitive to being bitten, then it may be wise to invest in a mosquito head net. 

2. Keep your eye out for leeches

Unfortunately, if you’re hiking the trails in Taman Negara you’re going to come into contact with leeches at some point. The ones we had the pleasure of meeting were ground leeches and they stick to the leaves on the forest floor.

They’re very difficult to avoid and unfortunately, even if you wear long trousers they’ll likely get through your socks instead!

3. Get up early to spot wildlife

One of the best tips we can give you is to get up early! During your trip, it’s best to catch the earliest river taxi across to the park entrance. They usually start running around 7:00 am, so make sure you set that alarm.

That way you can hike along the trails earlier than everyone else which gives you a great opportunity to spot some wildlife. However, prepare yourself to hear plenty of animal noises along the way. This can be extremely unsettling when you’re the only one on the trails!

4. Bring plenty of amenities

As we mentioned previously, you’ll be staying in Kuala Tahan if you’re heading to Taman Negara. Aside from several restaurants and shops, there’s not a lot here. For this reason, make sure you pack any amenities you may require in advance.

Many of the essentials like suncream and ice cream are quite expensive here as it’s such an isolated area. You’ll also find that some of the stores here open at really unusual times.

5. Don’t rely on WiFi or mobile signal

There’s next to no mobile signal in Taman Negara, even if you have a Malaysian sim card. Sometimes you’ll get an ‘E’ signal bar, but if you do it will be extremely slow. Due to this, you can’t rely on signal out here – especially whilst you’re out on the trails.

Some properties in Kuala Tahan do have WiFi and there’s an internet cafe in the village. However, the area often has technical issues. Instead, make sure you print out directions if possible or grab a map from the park entrance.

6. Prepare yourself for high humidity and unpredictable weather

As with any rainforest, the weather in Taman Negara is extremely unpredictable. One minute you’ll be basking in the sun, and the next you’ll be hiking through a tropical thunderstorm. For this reason, it’s important to always carry a rain jacket with you and layer up!

The humidity is another problem and can be stifling depending on what time of year you visit. It’s especially an issue during the night so don’t wear your favourite PJs as you’ll be sweating a lot!

Frequently Asked Questions about Taman Negara

Is Taman Negara worth visiting?

We can’t recommend Taman Negara enough! If you love wildlife or simply enjoy being in nature, then it’s one of the best places to visit in Malaysia.

There are also plenty of things to do here like trekking through the rainforest, heading down the river rapids, and visiting the local settlements.

How many days should I spend in Taman Negara?

We recommend spending at least 4-5 days in Taman Negara. This gives you the best chance of spotting wildlife, and enough time to hike some of the trails in the area. 

It also gives you the chance to head out on a multi-day hike if you wish to! You’ll also have time to try out some of the other activities in the area. 

What is a good budget for Taman Negara?

Luckily, you won’t need to break the bank when visiting Taman Negara. Accommodation within Kuala Tahan is extremely cheap, and the entry fees and permits for the national park don’t cost much either. 

We recommend allowing a budget of £20-25 per day if you’re staying in Taman Negara. This gives you enough money for meals, accommodation, and other necessities. 

Can you drive to Taman Negara?

If you’re thinking of hiring a vehicle then you can always drive to Taman Negara. The route you take will of course depend on where you’re travelling from – whether that be from Kuala Lumpur, Jerantut, or Gombak Toll Plaza.

The official website for Taman Negara has more detailed information on specific routes! 

Where to go after Taman Negara?

There are tonnes of other incredible places to visit within Peninsular Malaysia if you’re spending more time in this beautiful country. 

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s capital and is the most visited place in the country. There are plenty of fantastic things to do in the city like visiting the Petronas Towers, exploring KL Forest Eco Park, and taking a day trip out to Batu Caves.

Or you can head to Cameron Highlands, and admire the beauty of the many tea plantations that can be found here.

During your time in the country, you should also head to the beautiful island of Langkawi too! If you do, prepare yourself for stunning beaches, lush forests, and plenty of wildlife.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Taman Negara

Taman Negara is one of the most magical places in Malaysia, as it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. 

If you’re heading to this part of Southeast Asia, then we 100% recommend including this rainforest in your Malaysia itinerary. 

There are so many adventures awaiting you there, and you’ll have memories to last you a lifetime.

If you have further questions about things to do in Taman Negara, don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below! 

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